Connecting to the Community: Service-Learning Methods in an ESL Classroom

Author

Chelsey Sara Funk, Utah State University

Date of Award

5-2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

English

Abstract

High school English as a Second Language (ESL) students often feel separated from their schools and communities. These feelings of separation can lead to low engagement and low achievement despite the students' desire to do well in school. One method used to counter low engagement in mainstream classes is service learning, but there is little research on service learning with ESL students. In this study, an existing group of 9th grade ESL students was taught and observed to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of using service-learning methods. The project endeavored to tie academic work to community involvement and therefore increase student engagement and academic confidence. Throughout the implementation of the service-learning project, students displayed increased classroom involvement and reported improvements in attitudes and self-assurance. The methods and procedures described in this paper can be adapted to larger class sizes and a variety of projects in order to increase engagement and academic confidence in ESL students.

Recommended Citation

Funk, Chelsey Sara, "Connecting to the Community: Service-Learning Methods in an ESL Classroom" (2014). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 507.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/507